Lorius Karius is ‘in contention’ to make his debut for Premier League high-flyers Newcastle United during their EFL Cup clash with AFC Bournemouth at St James’ Park on Tuesday night, head coach Eddie Howe tells The Chronicle.
Karius is undoubtedly playing for his future on Tyneside.
The former Liverpool goalkeeper, arriving on a free transfer following an injury to Karl Darlow, is under contract until December 31st. As such, there is a very real chance then that Karius’ first Newcastle appearance could also be his last.
The former Germany U21 international could make his Magpies bow on Tuesday with a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on the line. Impress, and he will be doing his hopes of a contract extension no harm at all.
Newcastle United face AFC Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup round-of-16
“He’s in contention with the other goalkeepers,” Howe admitted ahead of the midweek clash with his old employers. “I don’t think anything further has moved on regarding a new contract.”
Karius has not been seen in English football since an ill-fated and error-strewn spell at Liverpool; his last outing under Jurgen Klopp coming in that Champions League final defeat to a Gareth Bale inspired Real Madrid four-and-a-half years ago.
Prior to his contract at Anfield expiring over the summer, Karius had hit and miss loan spells at Besiktas and Union Berlin.
‘It’s important
Time will tell, meanwhile, if Howe plans to go full-strength during Newcastle’s first game back after the Qatar World Cup. Bruno Guimaraes could feature, though Allan Saint-Maximin is a doubt with a ‘slight injury’.
“It’s important to try and re-establish our momentum,” Howe adds. “When we beat Chelsea (on November 12th), it was a great feeling around the stadium. But it feels like a long time ago.
“You want to try and get back there as quickly as you can. (Bournemouth) will make the game very difficult for us but it’s the first chance to re-find our form.
The wait for this game has been long for us so we’re dying to get back to action. The international lads that have came back are dying to get the season back under way.
“(Bruno) is fine, physically. He’s obviously disappointed not to reach the latter stages with his country (Brazil). But he’s fine and he’s focused on the future. It’s really important that the players put that behind them.”
Following that Bournemouth clash, Newcastle will travel to Leicester City on Boxing Day.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
